Question

A 19-carbon fatty acid is catabolized.
a. How many rounds of oxidation are required?
b. What molecules will be made after complete oxidation?
c. How many of the molecules in part b will be made?

Answer 1

a. If 19-carbon fatty acid is catabolized it will undergoes eight (08) rounds of oxidation.

Explanation: Fatty acid catabolizes or oxidizes in cells. It takes 3 steps which starts in cytosol and ends in mitochondria. In final steps it undergoes 4 substeps which processed in cycle. After completion of one cycle 2-carbon fragments acetyl CoA formed which undergoes TCA cycle. After 8 cycles 8 acetyl coA and one propionyl CoA will form from 19-carbon. Propionyl CoA will degrade differently it will not go for further cycle or TCA.

b. Acetyl CoA and Propionyl CoA will be made after complete oxidation.

c. 8 acetyl coA and one propionyl CoA will form at last.

In 8 cycles it will degrade so 8*2 + 3 = 19 carbon.